TASHKENT, December 16. /Dunyo IA/. Today, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Yunusabad Gallery shopping and business center in Yunusabad district of the capital, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press-service of the Head of our state, the large complex, spanning 2.5 hectares, includes over 53 thousand square meters of retail and commercial space. With 14 million dollars in foreign investment, several international brands have established their operations here.

In total, the complex features over 100 retail outlets and has created about 500 jobs. The center is expected to receive up to 2,5 million visitors annually.

The architectural and design solution of this complex, with a total cost of 43 million dollars, won first place at an international architectural competition held this year among CIS countries.

The Head of State also visited a bookstore located in the center, where he spoke with representatives of publishing houses and young readers.

The significance of developing the publishing and book trade sectors was emphasized, along with promoting a culture of reading from an early age, expanding the publication of scientific and fictional literature, and developing measures to support publishing houses.

A sincere conversation was held with the capital's community leaders, representatives of the older generation, and youth.

— All the achievements we are making in every sphere are, first and foremost, the result of peace in our country and the unity of our people. Our capital is becoming more comfortable and beautiful every day, This is particularly noted by guests visiting from abroad. Much depends on unity and its foundations are primarily in our mahallas. The people, right in the mahalla, provide a fair assessment. That is why we began our effort to ensure the well-being of the people at the very grassroots level, — noted the President.

During the visit, the Head of State was briefed on the activities of the IT company Unicon-Soft, whose office is located in this center.

It was noted that thanks to the favorable conditions and incentives created in the country for the information technology sector, the participation of national software developers is consistently expanding in areas such as the digitalization of public administration, the development of telecommunications infrastructure, and IT education.

In accordance with the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On measures for the effective organization of public administration in the field of digital technologies within the framework of administrative reforms," the main areas for the digital transformation of industries, sectors, and regions have been defined.

Unicon-Soft is also making contribution to the implementation of these tasks. Founded in 2017, the company has so far developed and implemented more than 70 information systems throughout the country.

The company has branches for the implementation and technical support of information systems in all regions and 208 districts (cities) of the country. It employs over 1,500 people, 80 percent of whom are youth.

Currently, Unicon-Soft plans to launch the production of new software and hardware, participate in the digitalization of the customs sector, and implement the "Digital Mahalla" platform. The President reviewed the company's project presentations in these areas.

Following this, recommendations were given for the further development of domestic IT product manufacturing, enhancing the knowledge and skills of young people in artificial intelligence technologies, and accelerating the digitalization processes in the activities of government agencies.

The President also reviewed the improvement work and modern infrastructure on Rikhsiliy street in Yunusabad district.

The engineering and transport infrastructure on the two-kilometer section of the street has been comprehensively improved. Additionally, 24-hour shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues have been established here. As a result 650 new jobs have been created.

An average of about 35 thousand vehicles travel along the street daily. Taking this into account, measures have been taken to ensure public safety and convenient traffic flow. Specifically, 39 thousand square meters of pedestrian walkways have been built, nearly a hundred surveillance cameras have been installed, along with about ten emergency call buttons.